Would He, Or Wouldn't He?

October 15, 2008 / 11:15 PM
/ The Politico

Might Defense Secretary Robert Gates continue to lead the Pentagon under Republican John McCain or Democrat Barack Obama?

During a speech to the U.S. Institute of Peace tonight honoring Dean Acheson, Gates cribbed one of the former secretary of state’s stories to preempt the uncomfortable question that has been making the rounds.

A man from Kentucky was asked whom he supported for sheriff, Gates said, and he said, “I haven’t made up my mind yet, but when I do, I’ll be bitter as hell.”

“That probably should take care of being asked to stay on in any successive administration,” Gates concluded.